There are only a few plants that can be planted at any time of year. While many trees and bushes should be planted after they go dormant, most greenery has a preference, and it’s generally spring or fall. Perennial ornamental grasses can be planted at either time of year, but if you wait until fall, don’t wait too long. After the heat of summer has passed your region, it is time to plant any perennials. If you wait until it gets too cold, the roots will not have time to get established, and you may lose your grasses. No one likes spending a lot of money on beautiful landscaping plants only to have them die because they were planted at the wrong time of year.
Although you can plant ornamental grasses in early fall, you will find the best selection in the spring. There are so many beautiful grasses from which to choose. Pink muhly grass adds a wispy texture to landscaping year-round, while pampas grass adds a big statement with tall, upright stalks. Whatever ornamental option you choose for your landscape, make sure you get it in the ground when the conditions are favorable for long-term survival. Once established, ornamental grasses are low-maintenance, and most tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.
Planting ornamental grasses in the spring
With the wide array of ornamental grasses available at garden centers in the spring, this is a wonderful time to add new greenery to your landscape. By planting early, you will get to enjoy your investment throughout the rest of the year, and the grasses will have time to establish a strong root system. By the time cold weather rolls around, your grasses will be large enough to provide texture and interest in an otherwise dull winter landscape.
To plant ornamental grasses in the spring, wait until the last danger of frost has passed. Some grasses are more tolerant of cold weather than others, but planting when it’s cold will add additional stress to the transplanting process. More sensitive plants may not survive or thrive if they are planted too early. Once the soil has warmed, plant your ornamental grass and water well. Continue to water any time the soil is dry 1 inch below the soil for the first month or so while the roots grow.
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If you decide to plant in the fall
While large garden centers may not have ornamental grasses available in the fall, many smaller plant nurseries will. One benefit of shopping at locally owned places is they usually only carry varieties of plants that are best for your region. They can also usually tell you which grass is best for your specific growing conditions. For example, if you’re looking to fill a spot in full sun and do not want to water often, ask for an ornamental grass that is sun and drought-tolerant. If you need something compact in a shady spot, they can help you with that, too.
The key to successfully planting in the fall is to put your new grasses in the ground as soon as the heat of summer has passed. Plan to plant your greenery no less than six weeks before the first expected frost date, according to your USDA Hardiness Zone. If you can give them two months or more of moderate temperatures and regular watering, that’s even better.
